These are the best jeans to shop right now, chosen by a fashion editor
Staple denim styles to see you through 2024
- The best jeans to wear in 2024
- The best straight leg jeans
- The best high waist jeans
- The best horseshoe jeans
- The best white jeans
- The best long jeans
- The best petite jeans
- The best embellished jeans
- The best baggy jeans
- The best sculpting jeans
- The best plus size jeans
- The best vintage jeans
- What are the best jeans for my body shape?
- How can I prolong the life of my jeans?
- Best Hollowed Out Jeans
For many of us, jeans are a staple in our wardrobes acting as the go-to piece when we don't know what to wear, want to dress down an item or just want an outfit that feels effortless. No matter what they're styled with, whether it be an oversized shirt, a tank top or a silk blouse, the best jeans will not only pull your outfit together but also ensure you feel confident too.
As a fashion editor, it's taken me many years of trying different types of jeans (remember the spray on skinny jeans?) to figure out which styles not only work for me but also go with the maximum amount of pieces in my wardrobe. After all, a great pair of jeans aren't a single season piece and, if cared for well, can last for many years to come, so, finding a style you want to reach for again and again is a must.
If you're unsure which style of jeans to go for, in my opinion the foundation of any timeless wardrobe includes three pairs of jeans, all of which I own and would highly recommend: a high-waisted wide-leg pair, a straight-leg pair and a slimmer-fitting silhouette. By opting for these three cuts that transcend trends, you'll be able to create a multitude of outfits so endless occasions. Simply add a t-shirt and an oversized blazer for a stylish day look, a camel coat and a cashmere knit for the office or an embellished top once party season rolls around, and you've got three effortless looks that you can easily rework throughout the year.
Alternatively, for any true denim lover who has the already basics covered, you'll most likely want to invest in more trend led jean styles. To get the best advice on the best jeans to be wearing in 2024 I thought why not turn to the experts to find out which jeans they'll be shopping and styling this coming season. Keep scrolling to hear their recommendations...
The best jeans to wear in 2024
According to Richard Johnson, Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer at MyTheresa, it's all about relaxed styles, "[We're] definitely leaning towards a mid-rise straight or relaxed fit, akin to the classic 501 for a timeless appeal," he told us, "The oversized trend is waning, with the barrel leg and subtle curve remaining essential, inspired by the Alaia jean."
And Anna Foster, founder and creative director at E.L.V denim agrees, "In terms of details and finishes, distressed denim, raw hems, and vintage washes have been prevalent, reflecting a preference for a more lived-in and authentic aesthetic."
For Richard, the lived-in aesthetic is also key, "Expect to see a resurgence of authentic, worn mid-blue washes reminiscent of classic vintage denim. Additionally, a touch of indigo is making its presence felt in the trends for this year."
So, now you know which jeans to be wearing in 2024, from classic styles to more unique cuts, it's time to get shopping. To help, we've created an edit of all the best jeans to shop right now stamped with a fashion editor seal of approval. Keep scrolling to see for yourself...
The best jeans to shop now, as chosen by a fashion editor:
The best straight leg jeans
If you only invest in one pair of jeans this season, make it. Agolde's straight leg style. A true wardrobe classic, they're relaxed enough to be worn everyday but can also be smartened up with a sleek top and a must have designer bag.
Described as a "borrowed from the boys" cut, FRAME's slouchy straight offer a more relaxed take on straight leg styles. Available in three washes, I love this vintage tone for a lived in look.
For a more elevated straight leg style add these Mango jeans to your Wishlist. Featuring a soft pleat at the waist, a loose fit from top to bottom and a medium blue tone, these will look perfect worn on holiday with a pretty printed crop top.
If you're looking for a pair of figure flattering straight leg jeans, you can't go far wrong with Levi's Ribcage style. Designed to make legs look ultra-long whatever your height thanks to the high-rise waist and straight cut, they're a true crowd pleaser.
The best high waist jeans
Flares may come in and out of style, but I find they're never away for long so they're worth having in your wardrobe. I'm wearing mine with co-ordinating dark denim shacket this season.
While classic blue tones are always on trend, there's something about this charcoal grey style that I really love. When paired with a chunky black knit or tank top, they give off-duty model vibes.
I am obsessed with Toteme's simple wide leg jeans. The pleat leg offers a chic tailored feel while the blue wash is understated and effortless. The perfect balance of high-low styling.
Fitted in the waist with a looser wide fit leg, Zara's high waisted jeans offer both style and comfort. Wear with heels or trainers to completely transform your look.
With a vintage inspired 70's feel, Arket's Lupine jeans prove great jeans never go out of style. I love the addition of the front pockets for added detail while the slight flare will be oh-so-flattering on a multitude of body shapes.
The best horseshoe jeans
Horseshoe or barrel jeans hug at the waist before rounding at the leg to create a unique balloon style shape. The exaggerated silhouette looks great paired with fitted tops to create a sense of balance.
I'm a big fan of white jeans during spring and summer and this updated shape takes them to another level. Add a khaki or taupe waistcoat and chunky sandals for a chic warm-weather look.
Want to wear jeans to the office? Khaite's tapered jeans perfectly bridge the gap between easy wearing denim and smart tailored trousers. Add a simple tee or white shirt and slingback to finish the look.
For a more subtle take on the trend, I love Aligne's style. Featuring a wider leg and rounded shape that feels slightly less exaggerated than the other styles, they nod to the trend without feeling too overwhelming.
Utility style pieces were big news on the SS24 catwalks so tap into the trend in Free People's khaki horseshoe jeans. Made from a rigid, non-stretch denim they hold their shape excellently giving a strong rounded silhouette.
The best white jeans
H&M is one of my favourite places to shop for affordable yet on trend jeans and this oversized white style prove just how good they can be.
LOEWE's embroidered jeans are the influencer-approved style to be seen in right now but if you're looking for a style that taps into the trend yet feels much more timeless, I'd suggest this all white pair with their understated logo detailing.
For a softer look, rather than bright white tones instead opt for a warmer shade like this ecru style from Sézane.
While classic styles are always on trend, there's something fun about opting for a pair of jeans with a little wow factor. This laser-cut pair from Alaia have exactly that thanks to the fun laser-cut detailing.
There's something eternally chic about wearing head-to-toe white, yet while white trousers can feel a little done, white denim offers a more understated look.
The best long jeans
Few jeans will give the illusion of longer looking legs better than COS' column jeans. Made from 80% organic cotton, they combine a high-rise waist with a sleek straight leg to elongate and lengthen.
With a slightly slim cut leg and high rise waist, Reformation's Cynthia jeans make the perfect day-to-night jeans.
Combining volume and length, Aligne's Martha jeans make a statement in the best way possible. Wear with a simple white tee to allow them to take centre stage.
While denim has a place on the catwalk every season, for SS24 dark denim tones were spotted everywhere from Alexander McQueen to Miu Miu. Tap into the trend in this floor length style from Agolde.
Nothing says summer like slipping on a cami top, some light blue denim and a pair of sandals. Make it your uniform, with this classic pair from Mango.
The best petite jeans
"Standing at 4ft11, jeans shopping can be incredibly difficult as I'm constantly plagued by too long hems and gaping waistbands. River Island is one of my go-to shops as they not only offer petite friendly fits but styles that feel cool too." Jazzria Harris, Freelance Fashion Editor
I'm obsessed with the barrel leg denim trend so finding a petite friendly pair from Whistles was a big win. Available in black, two blue washes and white, I may just treat myself to all four shades.
Mother recently launched a line catering to petite frames, and as someone who always has to hem her trousers after buying them, I am thankful.
"While these jeans aren't technically petite, one of my favourite tricks is to buy cropped lengths to wear as full length styles. I recently treated myself to this pair from Mango and they're going to be my go-to through Spring." Jazzria Harris, Freelance Fashion Editor
If you're looking for petite denim, Abercrombie's selection is one of the best around. All their jeans are available in both extra short and short length, to suit those with shorter proportions.
The best embellished jeans
The great thing about Self-Portrait's crystal embellished jeans is they don't scrimp on the details. Bejewelled from front to back, they ensure you sparkle from every angle.
I can just picture these worn with a white ribbed tank top and co-ordinating white slingback heels for dinner and drinks with the girls.
For an understated take on embellishment, I can't get enough of Reformations Cary jeans. Wear with a white blouse and western boots to like out your cowboy Carter fantasy.
Party jeans don't get much better than this pair from Sandro. Combining delicate sparkle with a menswear inspired straight cut, they're the best of both worlds.
Nobody does embellishment quite like AREA, so no wonder their embellished jeans are pretty incredible. Combining the cut out trend with high-shine sparkle, you need these for when party season arrives.
The best baggy jeans
The recent Y2K revival has seen the return of many denim trends and one that's slowly taking hold is the low rise jean. To wear it in 2024, opt for. a baggy rather than figure hugging fit for a cooler finish.
Founded by Anna Foster, ELV denim is here to shake up the denim industry and their oversized Freya jeans prove it pushing the boundaries on shape and style.
If you take one thing away from this denim breakdown, it's that oversized shapes are most definitely in. Embrace all things baggy in this style from Arket.
If you find standard denim jeans a little too restrictive, COS' drawstring style have come to your rescue. Featuring an elasticated waistband and baggy wide-leg style, they not only look great but will feel great too.
Even white jeans get a baggy makeover in the form of Weekday's Astro style. As well as ice white, they also come in mutiple black and blue tones so, if you're prone to spillages, check out their other colours.
The best sculpting jeans
Designed with curves in mind, Khloe Kardashian's denim brand will hug you in all the right places.
Featuring M&S' clever technology that flattens your tummy and lifts your bum, these straight leg jeans will have you feeling confident and looking great.
Did you know Spanx also created jeans? Drawing on their expansive shapewear knowledge, their denim is designed to sculpt and shape for a smooth, snug fit.
Abercrombie's curve love range is created to flatter and fit curvy figures. Alongside catering to waists from 23-37, their jeans also come in 5 leg lengths meaning all shapes are catered for.
Hourglass shapes, these jeans are specifically for you. Alongside nipping in your waist, they're also designed with more room at the hips meaning no annoying gape at the back.
The best plus size jeans
A classic straight fit but with a little added stretch for comfort, Good American's Good Icon jeans are a wardrobe staple for all sizes.
River island is a high street brand that delivers when it comes to plus size denim. Available in sizes 18-28 their selection features multiple on-trend styles in flattering cuts and wearable washes.
M&S are a brand that really do think about all shoppers when designing their pieces. This classic wide leg style go up to size 24 across 3 leg lengths, so you can tailor the fit to your needs.
Did you know Levi's Ribcage jeans also come in plus size? Featuring the same flattering high-rise waist in sizes 16-24, they're a favourite among curve influencers and celebrities.
In 2021, Mango merged it's plus size brand Violetta with it's mainline pieces to make shopping more accessible. Now many of their denim pieces are available up to size 26 so check your favourite styles.
The best vintage jeans
Re/done take preloved and vintage denim and redesign it in modern cuts and styles to create pieces that feel unique yet on-trend. This straight leg style and the perfect example featuring a relaxed worn-in wash alongside a chic straight leg design.
There's no jeans more classic than a pair of Levi's and by shopping vintage you can not only treat yourself to a great pair of jeans but shop more sustainably too.
Another staple Levi's style are their 550 jeans. Featuring a low rise, loose fit with a straight leg cut, they're a timeless style that you'll reach for time and time again.
A favourite brand of Kylie Jenner and Lori Harvey, A Vintage Fit take preloved jeans and restyle them into fashion forward styles. Alongside jeans, they also have denim mini skirts, shorts and cargos for the complete summer refresh.
This cropped indigo blue style are giving Parisian chic in the best way possible. Simply pair with a white tee or Breton knit and ballet flats to channel effortless French style.
What are the best jeans for my body shape?
It's time to ditch the sartorial rule book. Gone are the days when certain body types couldn't wear certain styles of jeans.
Betty Madden, VP Global Design at Lee explains: "With innovative fabric technology around stretch and recovery, women have much more opportunity to try a broader range of fits. This allows women of various body shapes to be more adventurous and find fits that help express their personal style. For example, flares used to be harder to wear if you aren’t tall, but we’re seeing women of all sizes and shapes wear and enjoy them. It’s more about personal expression and preference than ever before."
How can I prolong the life of my jeans?
Once you've found the right pair of jeans, you want to make sure they last as long as possible. We've got a whole guide on how to stop your jeans going baggy but, before you read that, make sure to check out Madden's tips:
"Do not over wash your jeans. Only wash them when they are stained or soiled, ideally hand wash in cold water or on a gentle cycle. Then, line or air dry. Take care of them like you would a work of art and they will deliver beauty in every wear. "
Best Hollowed Out Jeans
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Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.
Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).
Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.
However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.
Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.
- Jazzria HarrisFreelance Fashion & Beauty Writer
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